Federal Grant Program Could Save Lives
and Property after Natural Disasters

June 20, 2007

Many communities see their resources stretched when facing major rebuilds after a disaster. The Community Building Code Administration Grant Program would offer federal funding to jurisdictions to hire adequate staff and train inspectors to save lives and protect property after a disaster.

Steve Shapiro, Hampton Director of Codes Compliance and Vice President of the International Code Council, and fellow building safety and fire prevention officials from jurisdictions around the country met with members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives on behalf of the Code Council to discuss the program during Building Safety Week in early May.

Each year, building departments across America celebrate Building Safety Week to raise public awareness of building safety, and to promote the use, enforcement, and understanding of the importance of building safety and fire prevention codes.

"Enforcement of modern building codes protects the public every day and helps our community survive and recover from disasters," said Shapiro. "The proposed federal program would help building departments in need of additional funding work to reduce the impact of natural disasters on buildings, individuals, and our communities. Studies show that every dollar invested to build stronger and safer structures results in savings $4 to $7 in reduced damages when a disaster occurs."